The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation released the latest assessment of Thailand’s wild elephant population on January 7, 2024. The population has grown significantly, with an estimated 4,013-4,422 wild elephants now inhabiting 91 conservation areas, including wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and nature reserves. This marks a substantial increase from prior estimates over the past four decades.
Historical data show that wild elephant populations were as low as 1,797 in 1989 but have steadily risen due to conservation efforts. However, this growth has coincided with escalating human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in the Eastern Forest Complex. In this region, the elephant population grows by approximately 8.2% annually, affecting over 257 villages across 52 subdistricts in six provinces. The conflicts are largely driven by habitat loss and insufficient food sources within conservation areas.
Efforts are underway to address the increasing tension between communities and wildlife while maintaining sustainable conservation practices.